Few bands in rock music history have reached the level of superstardom (and have maintained the staying power) of Dublin-based band U2. Due to a winning combination of innovative, ever-evolving songwriting, spectacular live shows, and front-man Bono’s penchant for political/humanitarian endeavors, U2 have managed to remain an A-list act since emerging onto the music scene with their debut album Boy in 1980. With phenomenal album sales (every album they’ve released since 1987’s The Joshua Tree has hit Billboard’s number one spot), a plethora of hit singles (“New Years Day, ” “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” “Pride,” “I Still haven’t Found What I’m looking For,” “With or Without You,” “Mysterious Ways,” Beautiful Day,” — and the list goes on) U2 have established themselves as the premier rock band of the 1980s and far beyond. Their sound has evolved from post-punk (guitarist The Edge created a signature sound with his sweeping, delay-heavy guitar work), to arena rock, to blues-inspired rock, to electronic/techno pop and back again. With their 2005 release, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, U2 treat fans to sounds both classic and new– reminding us exactly why these Dubliners have managed to become one of the most successful bands in rock history.
